NFL Wildcard Playoffs (Fantasy Studs)

It’s the week that millions of fantasy owners have been waiting for. Most owners have been out of their league playoff and championship race for several weeks and Draftmix has offered them a last ditch effort to recoup some pride, self-esteem, and last but not least, some cold hard cash.

With the NFL Playoffs set to begin Saturday, January 04, 2009 let’s take a look at this weeks top-eight fantasy performers.

Peyton Manning: Nothing can take the place of playoff experience. Add in the fact that Manning is facing a San Diego defense that has struggled all season and you have this weeks top fantasy performer. Projected Points-25

Michael Turner- Seventeen hundred yards and 17 touchdowns in his first season as a starter is unbelievable. If Turner isn’t your first option when Manning is gone you should consider never playing fantasy again. Projected Points- 22

LaDainian Tomlinson- Just because Indianapolis has won nine straight doesn’t mean that they have remedied their problems stopping the run. Tomlinson is finally 100% and will bring his A+ game this weekend. Projected Points-21

Larry Fitzgerald- Fourteen hundred yards and 12 touchdowns is Fitzgerald’s best season since he entered the league in 2004. Warner is still on his game and the Cardinals are in for a shootout in the desert. Projected Points-18

Adrian Peterson- I’ve watched Peterson drop this week in Draftmix competitions and I’m still trying to figure out why. The NFL’s leading rusher in his first playoff game will perform on a high level. Projected Points-17

Reggie Wayne- Wayne barely topped a thousand yards and had a major drop off from his 2007 season. However, it’s playoff time and the Colts’ offense is primed and ready to go. Projected Points-16

Brian Westbrook- There’s no question that the Vikes are dominant against the run. But, Westbrook is a huge part of the Eagles passing game and that’s the Vikings biggest weakness defensively. Projected Points-16

Top-Five Quarterbacks (Week 17)

This should be the easiest week of the season. It’s simple; draft players that are playing for something and avoid those that already have their playoff position determined. Take a look at this weeks top-five quarterbacks.

1. Matt Cassell- Belichick and the entire New England organization has turned Matt Cassell into an excellent quarterback selection. Add in the fact that they are playing for a playoff spot and you could have the best quarterback in the league. Projected Points- 30

2. Drew Brees- Brees has been a top quarterback selection all season long. When you add in the fact that he would love nothing more than to alter the Carolina Panthers playoff positioning, then you can expect an excellent week 17 performance. Projected Points- 28

3. Philip Rivers- Rivers has his best season as a pro and leads the league in passer rating and somehow he’s not selected for the pro-bowl. After playing horribly all season the Chargers have a shot at winning the AFC West and a serious revenge factor this week against Denver. Projected Points- 26

4. Jay Cutler- Vying  for a playoff spot against one of the leagues worst defenses, Cutler should find tremendous success in this shootout in San Diego. Cutler is third in the league in passing yards (4210) and should add heavily to his season totals. Projected Points- 25

5. Tony Romo- Most people drafting this week will stay as far away from Romo as possible. I don’t blame them considering he has somewhat struggled in big games. However, this is the week Romo changes that stigma and the Cowboys roll in Philly. Projected Points-22

Get Ready For the Playoffs

I cannot remember any other NFL season filled with so much excitement and unpredictability for all 17 weeks. The Cowboys were expected to win the Super-Bowl and may not make the playoffs. After going undefeated in the 2007 regular season the Patriots may not make the playoffs. The Dolphins which went 1-15 in 2007 may wind up winning the AFC East, and headed into the final week of the season the playoff picture totals only seven teams that have secured a spot.

With all that in mind (and there’s plenty more) imagine how unpredictable Fantasy Football has been this season. Through 16 weeks three rookie running backs are in the top-ten in rushing yards, Kurt Warner has been mentioned as being the leagues MVP, and Chad Pennington is currently 2nd in the league in passer rating.

With that much uncertainty in the NFL all fantasy owners and football lovers deserve one thing; the certainty of having for the first time ever cash competitions during the NFL playoffs. If you like playing 2-man, 4-man, or 8-man leagues we will offer all three cash formats for the first two playoff weeks. That’s total of eight games, which includes the wild-card and the divisional championship rounds.

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Top-Ten Fantasy Wide Receivers (Week 11)

Finally, the NFL is a full strength and the depth at this position is tremendous. Draft position is vital this week; if you have late position these receivers are a must in the first and early second rounds. If you have early draft position and the owners know what they’re doing, then you may not get the opportunity to draft any of these top-ten. Draft well!

Steve Smith: Don’t you just love it when one of your favorite receivers gets a team like the Detroit Lions and their 29th ranked pass defense. What makes Smith so promising this week is he really hasn’t had one of his phenomenal games this season. Projected Points-24

Reggie Wayne: Wayne’s season best is 17 fantasy points but it appears as though the Colts are back and headed in the right direction. This could the week Wayne has one of his multi-touchdown games. Projected Points-21

Marques Colston: Despite not catching a touchdown pass last week Brees’ favorite target has returned. The Saints play the Chiefs this week and Colston is due for at least one touchdown. Projected Points-19

Lee Evans: As an owner anytime you have the opportunity to draft a receiver that plays the Browns (especially on MNF) anticipate a big game. Evans isn’t the best in the league and he doesn’t have the prolific passer in Trent Edwards, however, he does remain in the top-ten amongst fantasy receivers and is an excellent pick for this week. Projected Points-19

Anquan Boldin: There are two words that come to mind when describing Aquan Boldin; toughness and hard work. As a result, Kurt Warner continues to reward him with touchdown throws and Boldin is averaging an NFL best 18 fantasy points per week. Projected Points-18

Brandon Marshall: With the Broncos not showing any progress in their running game Marshall’s stock should continue to rise as your first receiver option. Atlanta’s pass defense has improved but it still ranks amongst the bottom ten in the NFL. Projected Points-18

Roddy White: We all know that the Broncos leave a lot to be desired when trying to defend the pass and Roddy White has gradually crept his way up the list of as a top receiver in this league. The Broncos have allowed 14 touchdown receptions and only three interceptions on the season. Projected Points-17

Greg Jennings: Jennings has fallen way down the list of fantasy receiving options but the Packers do host the leagues 30th ranked pass defense, Chicago. This week Green Bay will be forced into many passing opportunities. Projected Points-16

Calvin Johnson: With his big play ability it’s difficult leaving Johnson off of any top-ten list. The Panthers defense will bend a little and Johnson will be the beneficiary. Projected Points-16

Larry Fitzgerald: Like I mentioned last week, “he’s steadily consistent”. With Warner at the helm anything big can happen with Fitzgerald. Projected Points-15

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Blog

If you need help with your selections, check out the Draftmix Blog. One of our top players, FanProphet, has been giving weekly rundowns on his selections at each position. His top ten picks for running backs this week are indispensable.

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Top-Ten Fantasy Runningbacks (Week 11)

Week ten produced some extremely high-scoring affairs which made Draftmix an exciting week and offered fantasy owners plenty of entertainment. As a result of these scoring frenzies the running back position heavily benefited; seven running backs scored greater than 20 fantasy points and several others scored in the mid-high teens. Week 11 will offer another entertainment filled weekend and running backs should be the focal point of any draft format.

Brian Westbrook: Cincinnati has given up 12 rushing touchdowns on the season and their defense allows 26.2 points per game. Westbrook could very easily have one of his best performances of the season. Projected Points-26

Michael Turner: After such a fast start Turner has only scored two touchdowns in his last six games. The Broncos head to Atlanta this week and they bring with them the leagues 27th ranked run defense. The Falcons continue to play well and Turner is one of the reasons for their success. Turner is due for a big week. Projected Points-25

Frank Gore: Gore faces the leagues 2nd worst run defense, St. Louis. Therefore, there is no need for any further analysis. Projected Points-22

Matt Forte: The Packers run defense isn’t much to talk about and even if they were Forte has proven that he can get it done against the best of them. The Packers allow 154 rushing yards per game. Not a stroll in the park in this divisional rivalry game, but this rookie will have his way this weekend. Projected Points-20

Adrian Peterson: Over his last three games Peterson has averaged 23 fantasy points but the Bucs have only allowed one rushing touchdown all season. Peterson continues to prove that he is one of those dominant backs who can take-over any game he chooses. Projected Points-20

Marion Barber: In Dallas’ first meeting with Washington Barber had a total of 37 total yards in a game where Tony Romo had 47 pass attempts. As a result, the Cowboys lost at home. I’m certain the Cowboys will play into their strengths in Barber this week. Projected Points-19

Clinton Portis: Portis has been on Washington’s injury report all season so I expect him to play this week against the Cowboys. In week four against the Cowboys Portis failed to find pay-dirt but rushed for 121 yards on 21 carries. Projected Points-18

Brandon Jacobs: Because the Giants were playing Philadelphia last week Jacobs was passed over in most league formats. Jacobs continues to make a case for himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL. Baltimore has their work cut out if they want to stop Jacobs. Projected Points- 18

Thomas Jones: With Jones having one of his best seasons as a professional it’s time for me to start showing him a little love. New England is allowing a 4.1 yard per carry average and in week two at home against the Patriots Jones finished with 75 total yards in a Jets loss. This week will be a different story. Projected Points-17

Steve Slaton: After coming off of such a tough week against Baltimore, Slaton is ready to put the pieces back together against Indy. The good news is the Colts allow 133 rushing yards per game and have given up 12 rushing touchdowns through nine games. Projected Points-17

Bonus

Marshawn Lynch: Playing the Browns on a Monday Night should be enough for Lynch to be a must draft in 8-man leagues.

Top-Five Fantasy Quarterbacks (Week 11)

Bye weeks are over, the playoffs are in the near future, and these quarterbacks should be called upon to carry most weekly fantasy formats. These top-five are this weeks “can’t miss” at their position.

Drew Brees: It doesn’t matter that the Chiefs rank dead last in almost all defensive categories Brees is going to play well against any team in the NFL. Back to his 2006 form Brees leads the league in passing yards (2985) and is third overall in touchdowns (17). Another big day! Projected Points-30

Jay Cutler: With Cutler second in the league in both passing yards (2616) and touchdowns (18) this game should be another shootout in the “Dirty South”. The Falcons defense ranks 22nd in the league in passing yards allowed (226) and they give up at least one passing touchdown per game. Without any type of run game the Bronco’s will rely on Cutler’s arm. Projected Points-28

Kurt Warner:
You must continue to ride the coattails of this two time league MVP. Warner continues to have a stellar season and with the weapons around him the Cardinals will continue to post ungodly offensive numbers in Seattle this week. Warner continues to make a case for his third MVP of the league. Projected Points-26

Peyton Manning: The Colts have won two out of their last three games and during that stretch Manning has averaged 24 fantasy points per game. The Texans go to Indy and they bring with them a defense that has allowed 15 touchdown receptions and an average of 200 passing yards per game. Projected Points-24

Matt Ryan: If Brady Quinn can find success against the Bronco’s secondary then the leagues 13th ranked quarterback (1909 passing yards) should also. With the Falcons receivers emerging into one of the leagues best Ryan should find success and the Falcons should roll. Projected Points-23

Bonus

Philip Rivers: If the San Diego defense continues to play the way they have, Rivers will be forced to pass all day and therefore a must draft in all league formats. With 21 touchdown passes through nine games Rivers is playing the best football of his career and this week he gets the same Steelers defense that P. Manning lit up for 24 fantasy points . Projected Points-22

Fantasy Football Busts (Week 10)

Week 10 of the 2008 NFL season is by far the toughest week to draft. After Thursday it will be even worse due to losing at least five viable fantasy options in the Cleveland/Denver match-up. When you add in those two factors and the ill-production of these following players, Draftmix owners better do more than their homework in order to stay competitive this week.

Peyton Manning: The Colts have been exposed all season long and without a true run game Manning and the rest of the offense will struggle. Defensively, the Steelers create too many big plays for Manning to find any type of success.

Donovan McNabb: McNabb has been all over the place this season in terms of fantasy production but I’ve watched owners draft him all week long. If you’re looking for possibly 16 points from your QB position then have at it.

Brett Favre: Everything looks good for the Jets offense to produce huge numbers against a St. Louis defense which ranks close to dead last in the league. However, the excitement of Favre being in New York has worn off and he’s simply not playing well. Don’t draft until further notice.

Steven Jackson: Firstly, who knows if Jackson is really going to play. Secondly, will he even finish the game? Then again, Jackson usually finds a way to play against less aggressive run defenses. If that’s the case he still won’t be productive.

DeAngelo Williams: Williams is looking like an excellent option against a Raiders defense, but the distraction of DeAngelo Williams is no longer. Besides if Jonathan Stewart plays he’ll share the load in a meaningless Carolina road win.

Willie Parker: If Leftwich starts Parker will be limited in his role. If Roethlisberger starts he will be limited in his role. Parker still has to get healthy and the Steelers know to limit his responsibility. Besides, Bob Sanders is back and he brings a great deal of intensity to that Colts defense.

Matt Forte: Forte has played well for a rookie, but he has not faced a Tennessee type defense. Definitely don’t draft him early and if you do good luck. If Orton is out, Forte will have a long day.

Desean Jackson: In eight-man leagues you may feel compelled to draft Jackson as your third receiver option. However, the Giants will be all over McNabb this week and if Jackson catches more than two balls he better score. Highly unlikely!

Lee Evans: In my book Evans is always a bust. Owners keep drafting him and I keep staying away from him. You just never know what you’re going to get from the Bills offense and the entire unit will be shut down in New England this week.

Laveranues Coles: I want nothing to do with anyone who’s name needs looked up every time I have to spell it.

Jericho Cotchery: Jimmy crack corn and I don’t care. Part of the worst receiving duo in the NFL. We won’t place the sole blame on Favre struggling.

Top-Five Fantasy Defenses (Week 10)

With open dates and losing four or more viable skill-position fantasy options in Thursdays’ Browns/Broncos game, drafting later in the week will make these defensive units that much more important. Be certain to get one of these top-five game/week changing defenses.

Carolina Panthers (@Oak): Remember, I don’t normally favor road defenses, but Carolina in Oakland is an exception. Carolina only has 11 takeaways and 13 sacks on the season; however, the Raiders’ offense turns the ball over at least once a game and they have allowed 22 sacks on the season. BTW, the Raiders got shut out last week.

Tennessee Titans (@Chi): The Bears have allowed 15 sacks on the season and Rex Grossman may take over at quarterback. Tennessee is second in the league in takeaways (18), and they have also accumulated 22 sacks on the season. The Bears won’t be able to run the ball, and Grossman will be forced into several tough situations.

Miami Dolphins (Sea): With the exception of the 49ers game (34 points) Seattle averages eight points in three road losses. On the other hand, Miami is allowing 18.2 points per game at home and has recorded 15 takeaways through eight games. This defense has played decent all season and I expect them to play a major role in a Miami home win. Besides, Joey Porter is running his mouth.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Ind): I have watched people actually draft Joseph Addai this week. Which means they’re Addai fans—or they’re totally unaware that the Steelers lead the league in total defense, sacks (32), and takeaways (12) through eight games. The Pittsburgh defense is a must draft on a weekly basis.

San Diego Chargers (K.C.): How could the Chargers’ defense ever make a top-five list? First, they got rid of their defensive playcaller, Ted Cottrell. Second, they’re coming off of bye week. Third, they play at home against a team that ranks last or near last in all major offensive categories. Need I say more?

Top-Ten Fantasy Wide-Receivers (Week 10)

There remains several top receivers who will have big games, however, due to the depth issues and a few inconsistent players this position is up in the air this week. On the other hand, these top-ten should not disappoint and if you don’t get a top-three running back you should immediately handcuff your opponents by drafting these top receivers first.

Brandon Marshall: On Draftmix. com Marshall has not been the first receiver picked in weeks and with good reason. However, he is headed into Cleveland this week. Projected Points-22

Steve Smith: It’s pretty self-explanatory: Smith and the Panthers head to Oakland, Oakland got shut-out by Atlanta last week and they gave up two receiving touchdowns. Projected Points-20

Marques Colston: This is the week that Brees and Colston go back to old form. Despite missing several games due to injury don’t be surprised if you see Colston towards the top of receivers list within the next few weeks. Projected Points-18

Greg Jennings: Ten points in his last two games is totally out of character for the second year receiver. Don’t expect that to continue this week against a sub-par Vikings secondary. Projected Points-17

Calvin Johnson: With his tremendous size/speed advantage as long as Johnson is on the field and healthy, he’s going to produce. Jacksonville is not playing the great defense that they’re capable of playing. Projected Points-17

Roddy White: White is coming off of his worst fantasy output since week two. This week he plays in what should be a shootout at home against New Orleans. Projected Points-16

Vincent Jackson: Rivers is still playing well and Jackson has become one of his many options. Jackson will get at least one score against a struggling Chiefs defense. Projected Points-16

Anquan Boldin: Boldin reminds me of a young Cris Carter, all he does is catch touchdowns. However, Boldin does a lot more than that; he’s a redzone threat, a third down threat, and big play threat. Projected Points-15

Larry Fitzgerald: Fitzgerald is first among fantasy receivers this year with a 13 points per game average and he hasn’t had that one big game. He’s steadily consistent and this week won’t be any different. Projected Points-14

Andre Johnson: Johnson has a tough match-up against Baltimore, but we know the Baltimore defense only plays good on the road in Cleveland. Rosenfels has proven in the past that he can deliver the big plays. Projected Points-14